[3D Printing News] Houses rapidly built with 3D printing!

MATT Architecture: Rapid Prototyping Homes with 3D Printing!
 
MATT Architecture creates architectural models in central London. They use 3D printing to quickly experiment with their planned architectural models, saving a lot of time and development costs. Additionally, by printing out their architectural design models, they can engage and communicate with clients at an early planning stage, which makes it easier for them to convey their ideas.
 

 
3D Printing Complex Designs

MATT Architecture's engineering and construction projects range from specific residential buildings to commercial developments. Before they used 3D printing, models were handcrafted (e.g., by cutting paper or cardboard), which was a good way to convey basic architectural concepts. However, as architectural models became increasingly complex, they had to employ a large amount of manpower and labor to complete geometric models of complex buildings. Therefore, this is precisely the biggest advantage of 3D printing as a real time-saving helper. As Daniel (an architect working at MATT) said:
 
"While architects have always built physical models to test and evaluate their design decisions, 3D printing has opened up the possibility of iterative experimentation between digital models and physical architectural models."

MATT Architecture started using 3D printers after Matt White funded a 3D printer on Kickstarter. They currently use two Ultimaker 2s and one Ultimaker 2+, and plan to add an Ultimaker 3 next. MATT Architecture is currently working on a large project: the Ilona Rose House project, an amazing 300,000 square foot mixed-use development in central London.
 
              
                     Ilona Rose House                                       Ilona Rose House and its surroundings


Rapid Iterative Design

Throughout the overall planning process for Ilona Rose House, MATT found that they needed to go through iterative designs. 3D printing proved to be a valuable tool for them, as quick and aesthetically pleasing models helped everyone involved in the planning process and conveyed the designer's design concepts.

For the exterior of the building, they printed full-scale proposed buildings on the Ultimaker. From this step, they began printing models and some tile samples. They used these realistic sample models to communicate precisely with the site planners and manufacturers. As Daniel said, "I believe 3D printing is an essential tool for realizing our architectural concepts in practice. In our own studio, we can test the limits and possibilities of various design solutions on-site, which is a win-win situation."
 
                   
                 3D model of Ilona Rose House                                         Tile appearance


Architecture Including 3D Printing

As stated in this article, 3D printing can significantly reduce the development time of architectural models. This method allows more people to participate in the planning process and enables rapid printing of the overall design to convey the architect's ideas and concepts. In the field of architecture, it has undoubtedly greatly improved efficiency and accuracy.
To learn about the potential of 3D printing in architecture, check out our explore page.